Voters line up at polls to back Measure F

SANTA CRUZ &GT;&GT; The county's beleaguered parks and open space system got a boost Tuesday night when county voters approved a modest parcel tax to help pay for parks maintenance and repairs.

The $8.50 annual parcel tax replaces an expiring $6.58 parks fee, a net increase amounting to 16 cents more per month. The measure will help raise about $355,000 to pay for parks maintenance and operations.

"It re-emphasizes the importance the community puts on parks," Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Chair Zach Friend said. "It was a community driven campaign and a community driven result, and it really will not only allow us to provide basic maintenance, but allows us to expand some of the things we do in the parks."

The Board of Supervisors placed the measure on the ballot after polling showed very strong support for a small increase. Larger taxes also had public support, but likely would have required a more robust campaign to assure passage.

Much of the Measure F backing came from two regional conservation groups: Sempervirens Fund and the Peninsula Open Space Trust. Each group gave $25,000, which paid for three targeted mailers promoting the measure.

There was no organized opposition.

The county manages 1,400 acres of parks, open space and beach access, but due to funding shortfalls has no standalone parks department. In addition, many heavily used parks, including Aptos' Polo Grounds, have no permanent restrooms.